Croat in Argentina

Introduction / History

The area settled by Croats has a large diversity of historical and cultural influences, as well as a diversity of terrain and geography. The coastland areas of Dalmatia and Istria were subject to the Roman Empire, Venetian, and Italian rule. Central regions like Lika and western Herzegovina were a scene of battles against the Ottoman Empire and had strong epic traditions. In the northern plains, Austro-Hungarian rule has left its marks.

This region is known for ethnic diversity. At one time Croats, Serbians and others were forcefully united under the nation-state of Yugoslavia. When Communism crumbled in the early 1990s, Yugoslavia broke up into several new countries based on language and ethnicity. One of these was Croatia, and the dominant people group were the Croatians.

There is a notable Croat diaspora in Western Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

There were waves of Croats who settled in Argentina in the early 20th century and again in the late 1930s. They spread out throughout the country, where they worked as small-time farmers. There was a third wave of Croats migrating to Argentina after WWII to avoid the new communist government. Most of these worked in construction. Today Argentina hosts the third-largest Croat diaspora. Croats live in Chaco, Patagonia, Cordoba and Buenos Aires.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Croats have contributed to Argentina as athletes and law enforcement agents. One was elected president.

To protect their culture and traditions in a Spanish-speaking country, Croats have maintained their folklore. They perform folk arts at special events and festivals, perhaps the most distinctive being Alka of Sinj, a traditional knights' competition celebrating the victory against Ottoman Turks. The epic tradition is also preserved in epic songs sung with gusto. Various types of kolo circular dance are also part of their traditional dances.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The vast majority of Croats are Roman Catholic, and the church has had a significant role in fostering their national identity. The confession played a significant role in the Croatian ethnogenesis.

What Are Their Needs?

Croats in Argentina need the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that Croats will understand the difference between Catholic doctrine and biblical Christianity.
Pray that cultural Christianity (especially regarding saints) will soon be corrected.
Pray that they will read the Bible and being discipled in his ways.
Pray for Croatian disciples to make more disciples in Argentina.

Text Source:   Joshua Project